Determine How You Will Finance Graduate School

Graduate school can be very expensive. However, just like undergrad, there are many financial aid options for graduate school. Before confirming your enrollment in any program you should research the financial aid options available at your prospective school, check into federal financial aid, and research scholarships and fellowships. See information on paying for college.

Financial Assistance Options

Fellowships

A graduate school fellowship is a financial award given to students entering graduate school. It is designed to help students cover academic and personal expenses while working on advanced degrees (eHow.com).

Federal Student Aid & Loans

The Department of Education’s Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. These programs provide more than $100 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance. Learn more about these programs.

Remember that some federal aid has to be paid back (i.e. loans) and other sources don’t have to be paid back (i.e. grants).

See myths about financial aid.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a sum of money or other aid granted to a student, because of merit, need by an organization or corporation.

Assistantships

Assistantships can be found in various departments on campus depending on the size of the school. For example:

Greek Life

Judicial Affairs

Student Activities

Academic Departments

Commuter Services

Disability Support Services

Career Center

Recreation Services

Administrative Departments

Resident Life

Counseling Center

Health Center

Admission

Financial Aid

Record Office

There are different types of assistantships including: Teaching, Research, Administrative.

Locate assistantships by contacting the graduate admission office or the various departments individually. Many departments have a competitive application and interview process for assistantships, which normally starts in the spring semester.

Part Time jobs – On/Off Campus

If you are unable to obtain an assistantship or need additional income to supplement your financial aid package, you can look for a part-time job on campus or off campus. For assistance with job searching visit the school’s career center, financial aid office, or human resources office.